Gander Airport Guide
Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Gander Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.
I was asleep by 11:00pm and almost missed my flight at 6:00am! – Mark
YQX Airport Overview
Gander International Airport (code: YQX) is a small airport in Newfoundland with a restaurant, café, gift shop and free WiFi. The terminal is open 24 hours, making it possible to stay overnight.
The airport is also known for its role during the September 11, 2001 attacks, when 38 diverted aircraft landed in Gander and the local community helped shelter more than 6,000 stranded passengers.
Sleeping in Gander Airport
Gander Airport is open 24 hours, and past traveller reviews describe a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of armrest-free benches suitable for sleeping. There are no dedicated rest zones or sleeping facilities, but travellers have managed to get some sleep here. Several hotels are located a short drive from the terminal in the town of Gander.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for firsthand experiences.
Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Within a 10-minute drive
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
- Day Rooms: Limited availability at nearby hotels
- Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Limited (most hotels require a taxi)
Gander Airport doesn’t have a hotel or sleeping pods inside the terminal. Several hotels are a short drive away in town. Complimentary airport shuttles are limited, so check whether your hotel can arrange transportation or plan to take a taxi.
Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites
(1.4 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Quality Hotel & Suites
(1.8 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Comfort Inn
(2 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Airport Services & Facilities
Airport Lounges: There are no pay-per-use lounges at the airport.
Drinking Water: Water fountains are available throughout the terminal.
Food & Drinks: Weston’s café is listed as open 24 hours. Beech Bar & Grill serves meals and drinks, with previously listed hours of approximately 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Vending machines are also available.
Luggage Storage: Lockers and luggage storage are not available.
Mobile Charging: Power outlets are available in terminal seating areas.
Shopping: Cameo Corner gift shop is located inside Weston’s. Duty-free shopping is available for international passengers.
Showers: There are no public shower facilities.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.
Other Services: ATMs, baby changing tables, a private nursing area in the women’s washroom and a 24-hour information desk are available.
Transportation: DRL Coachlines provides scheduled bus service across Newfoundland. Car rental counters are located inside the terminal, with Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National and Thrifty listed. Busy Bee Cabs offers 24-hour taxi service outside Domestic Arrivals.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Help Keep This Airport Guide Updated
Have you recently travelled through Gander Airport? If any information is outdated or missing, we’d love to hear from you. Your updates help fellow travellers know what to expect.
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Last updated: 2026-02-23
This guide is for planning purposes only. Details, including rates and hours, may change without notice. Information comes from airports and service providers, their websites, and traveller submissions. We do not represent these providers. To share corrections or updates: write a review or update the airport guide.